This is also the greatest guilt Luo Huai feels towards her.
Almost all of her knowledge and understanding came from Luo Huai's teachings and example, from the vast landscapes she had traveled to at a young age, and from the various aspects of life she had witnessed through her innocent eyes.
Therefore, she was bolder and more outspoken than her younger siblings, but sometimes she was also flamboyant and radical, lacking in discipline and restraint.
“After thinking about it, I think it would be more suitable for Luo Fengming to go,” Luo Cuiwei said, not thinking too much about it, but just stating the facts. “He is more educated, and even if he doesn’t get any opportunities in such a formal occasion, he can at least make sure he doesn’t make any mistakes.”
With the spring hunt lasting nearly a month, no one can predict what might happen.
She knew her own temperament; when she acted impulsively, she would act recklessly without thinking. She was genuinely afraid that she might do something rash if she couldn't control her temper.
Just as Luo Fengming was about to speak, Luo Huai chuckled softly, his voice broken: "Go, take your sister with you."
Although Luo Cuizhen was young and often acted childishly at home, she was well-educated and knew how to behave properly. Her behavior outside was always more restrained and controlled than Luo Cuiwei's.
If something really happens, having her by your side can help remind you, and also prevent Luo Cuiwei from acting recklessly when she gets angry.
"Why are you nodding along like that?" Luo Cuiwei glared at Luo Fengming. "If I leave, you'll be working yourself to the bone."
Luo Fengming chuckled and scratched his forehead: "It is a headache, but it's nothing serious, at worst..."
“If you get too busy then,” Luo Huai said decisively, “just send the ledgers and such here.”
That was settled.
****
On the morning of the third day of the second lunar month, Emperor Xianlong's imperial procession left the capital for a twenty-day spring hunting trip at the Quanshan Palace.
The procession was grand and impressive, including not only members of the imperial family, nobles and close officials, but also exemplary families from all walks of life, including scholars, farmers, artisans and merchants.
Originally, the officials of the Imperial Household Department had arranged for the two Luo sisters to ride in the same carriage as the Xu family from the north of the city, who were also merchants. However, Yun Lie had sent Xiong Xiaoyi to "invite" the two Luo sisters away in front of the officials of the Imperial Household Department.
The emperor's journey needed to be at an auspicious time, and the officials of the Imperial Household Department did not want to argue or delay over such a small matter, so they did not go to argue with Yun Lie in person.
Led by Xiong Xiaoyi, Luo Cuiwei and Luo Cuizhen boarded the carriage prepared by the Imperial Household Department for His Highness Prince Zhao.
Inside the spacious carriage, Yun Lie held a military strategist in his hand, leaning against the carriage wall with his long legs crossed on the edge of the seat. His lazy and casual appearance was just like a leopard squinting in the sun.
This was the first time Luo Cuiwei had seen him like this, and she couldn't help but smile and take a look at him.
"What are you looking at?" Yun Lie felt uncomfortable under her gaze. "There are some snacks in the cupboard and tea on the stove."
After speaking, he raised the book in his hand higher, covering most of his slightly flushed face.
That girl is something else. Her sister is right there. Even if she hasn't seen him for a while, she should at least restrain her gaze.
Not knowing what he was inexplicably angry about, Luo Cuiwei was too lazy to pay attention to him. She found a brocade kneeling seat on the couch and arranged for Luo Cuizhen to sit down next to her.
Luo Cuiwei secretly yawned, and somewhat irritably put her arm around her sister's shoulder, whispering in her ear, "I still think Luo Fengming should be the one to come."
Luo Cuizhen pouted and whispered in her ear, "If it were Luo Fengming, I wouldn't come with him! He's so annoying."
Because she was going to accompany her elder sister on the imperial spring hunt, Luo Cuizhen openly asked the academy teacher for leave, thus gaining an extra month of good time, which made her very happy.
“But since he stays at home to manage things, my father has to help him out, so he can’t rest properly,” Luo Cuiwei complained unhappily.
Luo Cuizhen whispered to comfort her, "One of you has to come; if you stay, everything will depend on you, won't you be exhausted?"
That makes sense. One cannot refuse an imperial edict. Whether it is Luo Cuiwei or Luo Fengming who comes, the Luo family will inevitably be in chaos for the next month.
As Luo Cuiwei spoke, she grew increasingly angry, rolled her eyes, and huffed angrily, "I heard that our family wasn't included in the first place. How annoying! If I find out who did this, I'll give them a good scolding!"
Actually, the two sisters were whispering in each other's ears, their voices were not very loud.
Suddenly, Yun Lie, who was sitting opposite him, put down the book in his hand, sat up, covered his head, and coughed violently.
"What's wrong?" Luo Cuiwei quickly stopped talking to her sister and looked at Yun Lie with concern.
Yun Lie pressed his forehead and smiled guiltily, "I suddenly have a headache."
He made up his mind that once he arrived in Quanshan, the first thing he would do was to find all the people in the know and silence them. He absolutely could not let Luo Cuiwei know who had changed the Luo family's name on the merchant list.
25. Chapter Twenty-Five
Quanshan Hunting Ground is located in the southern part of the capital city, about a hundred li outside the outer city gate. The distance is neither too far nor too close; normally, if one sets off in the morning and travels at a brisk pace, one can arrive by nightfall.
However, since the emperor's trip was for leisure, there was no need to rush. The journey of over a hundred miles began early on the third day of the second lunar month, when they left the capital and did not arrive at the temporary palace located halfway up Quanshan Mountain until dusk the following day.
The Imperial Household Department had sent people to make arrangements half a month ago. After everyone was led to the various halls and courtyards, they hurriedly put away their luggage, washed up and changed clothes. It was already dusk.
Emperor Xianlong ordered that dinner be held in the Lansheng Hall, which faces the mountains to the west. Although there was no music or dance to entertain, the view of the mountains at dusk provided a unique and elegant experience.
However, after two days and one night of travel, everyone was inevitably tired. Although the atmosphere at the banquet seemed to be one of joy and harmony between the host and guests, many people were actually just putting on a brave face.
Emperor Xianlong also seemed to show signs of fatigue. After the meal, he told everyone to leave on their own, but unexpectedly, he specifically asked for the name of the "Luo family of Jingxi".
Although Luo Cuiwei maintained a calm and composed demeanor, her heart skipped a beat for no reason. As she respectfully bowed, she desperately tried to recall if she had done anything inappropriate along the way.
Emperor Xianlong shook his sleeves slightly and smiled kindly, "It's nothing, I just heard the other day that the Fifth Prince, who usually doesn't like to get involved in trouble, actually argued for the 'Luo Family of Jingxi'... I was just curious."
****
After relieving her fear, Luo Cuiwei left the Lansheng Hall and found Yun Lie waiting for her outside, which warmed her heart.